David Cameron’s Afghan visit cheers our troops with pull-out pledge

DAVID Cameron sang Christmas carols alongside British troops on the frontline in the war against the Taliban yesterday.

Prime Minister David Cameron chats with British soldiers at Camp Bastion

The Prime Minister made a surprise visit to Camp Price, a forward operating base deep in the combat zone in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, to thank the servicemen and women who will spend the festive season away from their families on active duty.

He brought extra cheer as news of his announcement earlier this week that the number of troops serving in Afghanistan will be reduced from 9,000 to 5,200 over the next year spread around the camp.

Mr Cameron used the visit to repeat his belief that the war had stopped the country from being a “terrorist haven” but admitted Britain had paid a “high price” in the conflict.

The fact is they are doing better than expected. This withdrawal, this draw-down, is based on success not failure.

Prime Minister David Cameron

Beside coils of barbed wire and beneath the flickering lights of a surveillance balloon, the Prime Minister joined more than 500 Royal Marines of 40 Commando at a service of carols and Bible readings.

At times, their renditions of Oh Come All Ye Faithful, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Once In Royal David’s City were nearly drowned out by the throb of Chinook helicopters.

Mr Cameron also tucked into some scran – Marine slang for food – and played table football with one soldier.

During a tour of Camp Bastion 20 miles to the west, Mr Cameron insisted his decision to withdraw all British troops from combat operations over the next two years was justified by rapid progress being made by the Afghan National Army in taking over security.

He said: “The fact is they are doing better than expected. This withdrawal, this draw-down, is based on success not failure.” Afghanistan was still “a deeply challenged country”, he admitted, but added: “It’s a far better place than it was when we came here in 2001.”